Running
Top 9 running trails in Los Angeles
When it comes to the best running trails LA has to offer, your choices are as vibrant as the city’s scenery.
Living in a big city like LA often means coping with unique day-to-day challenges — traffic, crowds, noise. For many, running is a great way to recharge from the hectic pace. Athletes such as Emily Harrington use running to help calm their nerves.
"I find running to be this very simple, meditative activity that is really low stress for me,” Harrington says. ”I can just walk out the door, go run and clear my mind."
The City of Angels is rich with natural landscapes where you can unwind. With year-round comfortable temperatures, you can enjoy breathtaking coastal or mountain views throughout the city in any season. And when it comes to the best running trails LA has to offer, your choices are as vibrant as the city’s scenery. Below, you’ll find LA’s top running trails for a leisurely jog or for building endurance for the next Wings for Life World Run.
01
Griffith Park Trails
Griffith Park’s uphill climb to the top of Mount Hollywood is one of LA’s best-known running and hiking spots. Hollywood and Glendale border Griffith Park, which is home to an array of famous attractions, including the Observatory, LA Zoo, and Travel Town train museum. The park includes 53 miles of trails, ranging in difficulty and distance, with multiple paths to the iconic Hollywood sign.
The three-mile Burbank Peak Trail offers astonishing views of the LA basin from Cahuenga Peak. Parking isn’t available at the trail’s start, but nearby Lake Hollywood Drive offers free street parking. Many runners choose the entrance on N Vermont Canyon Road to reach Mount Hollywood via the 90-minute Hogback Trail and park near the Greek Theatre. You can also take the DASH Observatory Shuttle from the Sunset/Vermont Metro station. If you’re ready to run on an incline, Griffith Park is a wonderful way to get acquainted with LA’s landmarks.
02
The Strand
Participant during the Wings for Life World Run - App Run in Venice Beach
© Ashley Barker for Wings for Life World Run
The Strand may be best known as a cycling spot, but you can certainly enjoy this scenic path on foot as well as by pedal. This 22-mile paved bike path, also known as the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, extends from Will Rogers State Park to Torrance County Beach. You can enjoy multiple iconic beach views along the way, from the Santa Monica Pier to Manhattan Beach to the Marina Del Rey Harbor.
You can also hop on The Strand at Venice Beach or take the Pacific Coast Highway from Palos Verdes at the other end. Wherever you’re coming from, running The Strand is a great way to take in LA’s famous coastal views.
03
The Backbone Trail
You could probably run a new part of the Backbone Trail every weekend for a year and still not reach every trail. With 67 miles of trails running through the Santa Monica Mountains, the Backbone Trail stretches from Point Mugu to Will Rogers State Park.
The Ray Miller Trail at the Point Mugu State Park entrance is just over five miles long and offers magnificent ocean views. The Circle X Ranch three-mile trail is just a short drive off the Pacific Coast Highway near Malibu, where you can enjoy a waterfall view. Solstice Canyon, also near Malibu, offers trails for all levels, as you take in the sights, sounds, and soothing chaparral and sage scrub smells.
04
Runyon Canyon Trails
Nestled in the Hollywood Hills, Runyon Canyon is a popular destination for LA residents who love to run or hike. With multiple trail options, the easiest routes measure almost two miles, though some are longer. The 2.7-mile Runyon Canyon Park loop starts near Hollywood Boulevard and stretches to Mulholland Drive, accessible from Exit 14 on U.S. Route 101. On days with good visibility, you can savor views of the city from the Hollywood sign to Santa Monica Bay.
Runyon Canyon is dog-friendly and offers designated off-leash areas. The trail’s popularity, though, means it can get crowded. However, since the trail takes only an hour and a half to complete, you can easily avoid the congestion with an early morning run.
05
Temescal Canyon Trail
If you want a slight challenge, the Temescal Canyon Trail is a medium-difficulty loop trail through the Pacific Palisades and Topanga State Park. In addition to offering beautiful mountain views, this 3.4-mile trail is accessible by public transit. The Sunset Boulevard trail entrance is near bus stops for the Metro 302 and 3 lines and Santa Monica Big Blue Bus Line 9.
Unlike Runyon Canyon, this popular running trail doesn’t allow dogs. But if you leave your furry friend at home, you can catch views all the way to Catalina on a clear day.
06
Franklin Canyon Trails
Franklin Canyon’s trails of varying difficulty provide a serene break from the city. Beginners who want to enjoy a leisurely pace and views of peaceful ponds can take the one-mile loop around Franklin Canyon Reservoir. For advanced runners, the loop that runs from Woodmill to Goat Road is over six miles and takes just over three hours to finish.
If you’re coming from West Hollywood, you can enter Franklin Canyon Park from Sunset Blvd. If you’re instead coming from the San Fernando Valley, you can take North Beverly Glen Boulevard to Sunset Boulevard. Once you’re in the park, you’ll find parking to the north of Franklin Canyon Lake. In addition to Franklin Canyon’s popularity among runners, the running trail can be a great place to birdwatch.
07
Malibu Creek State Park Trails
Malibu Creek State Park Trails
© Photo by Mark Pecar on Unsplash
Malibu Creek State Park includes entrances to Backbone Trail, and the park is also full of many other top running trails in Los Angeles. The 6.6-mile Malibu Lake Trail near Calabasas is moderately challenging and a local favorite.
For runners looking for something easier, there’s the 2.1-mile Rock Pool loop. You can also opt for a longer but less difficult run via the 6.2-mile Grasslands Trail. Both of these trails are located near Agoura Hills, and the stunning views are well worth the long drive.
08
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area Trail
This 2.6-mile loop near Culver City is great for beginners. The park welcomes dogs on leashes and is lush with blooming flowers in the spring. Notably, you’ll have to pay to enter the park on holidays and weekends. But it’s a small price to pay to sneak in an ocean view or stop by a Japanese garden on your run.
09
Elysian Park West Loop
LA’s oldest park also has one of the best running paths on the east side of the city. The Elysian Park West Loop is about a 10-minute drive from the Silver Lake Reservoir. Or if you’re coming from downtown, you can take the 110 to Stadium Way. This dog-friendly trail features sweeping views including the downtown skyline and the San Fernando Valley.
Train for the Wings for Life World Run with LA’s endless running trails
You can train on gorgeous, challenging trails in just about every LA neighborhood. If anything, this list of the best running trails in LA only scratches the surface. When you’re in the City of Angels, you’ve got tons of choices for getting your heart rate up while taking in views like nowhere else.